Muamba forced to retire

Well-Known Member

Muamba's heart stopped for 78 minutes after he collapsed on the pitch during Bolton's FA Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on March 17.

The 24-year-old made a slow but steady recovery in hospital and had hoped to eventually return to the game after completing his rehabilitiation - but doctors dashed those hopes after warning that the stresses of the sport would put too great a strain on his heart.

As a result, Muamba announced his retirement from the game on Wednesday.

"Since suffering my heart attack and being discharged from hospital, I have remained utterly positive in the belief I could one day resume my playing career and play for Bolton Wanderers once again," Muamba said in a statement. "As part of my on-going recovery, last week I travelled to Belgium to seek further medical advice from a leading cardiologist.

"But the news I received was obviously not what I had hoped it would be and it means I am now announcing my retirement from professional football."

The former England Under-21 international, who also played for Arsenal and Birmingham during his club career, is likely to receive an insurance payout after his career was curtailed abruptly.

Prior to the official announcement, he said on Twitter: "Keep smiling people".

"While the news is devastating, I have much to be thankful for," he added. "I thank God that I am alive and I pay tribute once again to the members of the medical team who never gave up on me.